Society (Magazine)

It’s back-to-school time of the year again. For many children, summer is so much fun and they are very unhappy to let the fun go. So help them see that there’s a way to return to school buses, backpacks and books with a genuine smile instead of a grimace. If you don’t have a fun back-to-school tradition, start one. Back-to-school gifts are a great way to show your kids you value their education. Children look to their parents for clues on how to handle various situations. By giving your child a back-to-school gift, you’re telling them education is important and worth celebrating. Wrap up some crayons, pencils, pens, paper, stickers, a colouring book, some fun toys or treats and anything else that says “have a fun school year!” Put it all in a new lunchbox or backpack and surprise your child before the school year begins. It’s a great way to help build the excitement and lessen the back-to-school stress. Simultaneously, understanding a child’s unique style or situation is critical to a successful transition. Check out Dr Samra Tahir’s tips on ‘how to beat the back-to- school blues’ on P.24. According to her, whether your child is excited or anxious, there are many things parents can do to help make the transition as stress-free as possible. And moving on to this month’s gourmet piece on P.60, Carolyn Robb, former personal chef to TRH Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, shares some sneaky ideas for giving kids the foods they love. A home-made lunch will always make kids feel close to you and comfortable at school, especially since they are able to eat the food they enjoy at home. Pick up a nice little lunch case you think your child might like and show your little one how to open, unpack, eat and repack the excess or whatever is reusable, and how to dispose the waste properly. We hope everyone has a safe, enjoyable, fun-filled, and most importantly, healthy return to school this September!